SRAM G2 ULTIMATE

£276

SPECIFICATION Weight: brake 257g, rotor 204g • Rotor size: 160, 180, 200, 220mm • Contact: zyrofisher.co.uk

When we received SRAM’S top-end G2 Ultimate, included in the box were a set of the new stainless-steel HS2 disc rotors. At 2mm thick these have more meat on them than normal along with a redesigned brake track to increase friction, and a grey, heat-dissipating paint on the recessed spokes. According to SRAM, the

HS2 rotor generates around 7% more power than the regular Centreline rotors, so in theory you could run a smaller disc and save weight without compromising power. A HS2 rotor is a bit pricey however (£50-70 depending on size), making a full G2 Ultimate brakeset over £700!

Spending this much on a brake does mean you get some cool stuff, like fancy titanium bolts, a lightweight carbon blade with tool-free lever reach and bite point adjustment.

Like all SRAM brakes, the lever attaches to the bar using a hinged clamp – which has a Matchmaker shifter mount pre-installed.

The two-piece G2 caliper is pretty minimal, but it’s not a noodle and actually means you get quite a stiff lever feel. The standard pads are the new Power Organic compound with the steel (grey) backing plate to improve the bite and reduce fade. They squealed a bit, but bedded in really quickly and pad wear has been pretty impressive, even in wet and muddy winter conditions.

The best thing about the G2 Ultimate is the overall feel – it’s pretty light, but also nicely progressive, so the power builds gradually as you need it. The cartridge bearing in the lever keeps everything smooth and it’s a really comfortable brake to use. It can start to feel a little sticky over time, and you also need to keep on top of the piston maintenance because they don’t always reset evenly. That said, it’s a top stopper, and with the new oil-slick bolts has a cool aesthetic. What stops it getting a top mark is the hefty price and the fact that the Code RSC is more powerful, cheaper and just as bling.